Sex offender missing

A CONVICTED sex offender is being hunted after failing to tell police of a change of address. John Philips, 53, who has a history of violence and rape, was released from prison on May 24 after serving a sentence for committing sexual offences.

A CONVICTED sex offender is being hunted after failing to tell police of a change of address.

John Philips, 53, pictured right, who has a history of violence and rape, was released from prison on May 24 after serving a sentence for committing sexual offences.

He voluntarily went to live at a hostel in Oldham, but failed to re-sign in at 3pm that day.

The Sex Offenders' Register allows three days to notify police of a change of address, but so far he has not done so. Police are trying to trace Philips and are working closely with the Probation Service.

They say the public should not approach him, but contact them immediately.

Bury

Philips was arrested in January after running away from a bail hostel in Bury.

At the time he was on prison licence but failed to return under curfew to the hostel. He was later captured in Stockport.

He previously absconded in June last year but gave himself up.

Philips is known to have connections in Stockport and Bury, and likes drinking in Manchester city centre.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.